Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), over what he described as the unlawful invasion and search of his Abuja residence.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order nullifying a search warrant issued by a magistrate court in the Federal Capital Territory on February 4.
Search Warrant Controversy
The warrant had authorised ICPC operatives to search and seize items from the former governor’s residence on Aso Drive, Abuja.
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Through his legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu, El-Rufai is asking the court to declare the warrant invalid and to set aside all actions taken pursuant to it.
He is also challenging the legality of the commission’s conduct during the operation.
Custody and Investigation
El-Rufai has reportedly been in ICPC custody since Wednesday, February 18, in connection with ongoing investigations by the anti-graft agency, although official details of the probe have not been disclosed.
On Thursday, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, announced via social media that operatives of the commission raided the former governor’s residence in Aso Drive.
In a statement, one of his lawyers, Ubong Akpan, condemned the action, describing it as unlawful and a violation of due legal process and the former governor’s fundamental rights.
Legal observers say the suit will test the legality of the search warrant process and the extent of powers exercised by anti-corruption agencies.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
